On that memorable occasion when Christ Jesus asked his disciples, "Whom say ye that I am?" Peter answered, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." His reply was commended in these words: "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Here we have the Master's definite statement of the permanency of the true concept of Church. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy defines "Church" in part (p. 583) as "the structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle."
The Church of Christ, Scientist, can never fail in its holy mission, for infinite Love, eternal Principle, underlies it. The Christ, Truth, alone uncovers and destroys all that claims to prevent the unfoldment in human consciousness of this spiritual idea. Our duty as members of The Mother Church is to understand clearly its fundamental purpose, namely, the evangelization of all mankind. Could there possibly be a greater work? Could we have a nobler occupation than playing our part in the spiritualization of the thinking of all men and nations? Since the unfoldment of the true sense of Church primarily is in individual consciousness, is it not incumbent upon each of us to attain more spirituality?
Those who are actively and rightly identified with our church organization enjoy well-rounded and consistent spiritual growth. Unity of motive and purpose, leading to oneness of endeavor and accomplishment, should characterize all our thinking. In true unity abides strength, a strength which means far more than a mere increase in numbers; it is the fundamental oneness of substantial spiritual thinking and living. How much mankind needs this now! And how many in these troublous days are hungrily reaching out for it!
